Judge denies Trump’s bid to halt Friday’s hush money case sentencing

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump was thwarted Monday in his bid to indefinitely postpone this week’s sentencing in his hush money case while he appeals a ruling that upheld the verdict and put him on course to be the first president to take office convicted of crimes. Judge Juan M. Merchan ordered Friday’s sentencing to proceed as scheduled, rejecting arguments from Trump’s lawyers who said it should be halted while they ask a state appeals court to reverse his decision to let the conviction stand. The Republican was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

FDA limits toxic lead in some baby foods

(AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday set maximum levels for lead in baby foods like jarred fruits and vegetables, yogurts and dry cereal, part of an effort to cut young kids’ exposure to the toxic metal that causes developmental and neurological problems. The agency issued final guidance that it estimated could reduce lead exposure from processed baby foods by about 20% to 30%. The limits are voluntary, not mandatory, for food manufacturers, but they allow the FDA to take enforcement action if foods exceed the levels. It’s part of the FDA’s ongoing effort to “reduce dietary exposure to contaminants, including lead, in foods to as low as possible over time, while maintaining access to nutritious foods,” the agency said in a statement.

Congress certifies Trump won the election without challenge

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has certified Donald Trump as the 2024 presidential election winner without challenge. It’s in stark contrast to 2021 violence. Lawmakers convened under heavy security and a snowstorm to certify the vote Monday, with the reading of the electoral results from the states coming swiftly. The legacy of Jan. 6, 2021, hung over Monday’s proceedings as the Republican who tried to overturn the previous election is legitimately returning to power. As lawmakers gathered, the tightest national security was in place. It’s a reminder of what happened at the U.S. Capitol four years ago, when a defeated Trump sent a mob to “fight like hell.”

Judge finds Giuliani in contempt for failed responses in defamation judgment case

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has found Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to properly respond to requests for information in response to a $148 million defamation judgment granted to two Georgia election workers. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled on Monday after hearing Giuliani testify for a second day at a contempt hearing called after lawyers for the election workers said the former New York City mayor had failed to properly comply with evidence production requests over the last few months. Giuliani conceded during Monday’s testimony that he sometimes did not turn over everything requested because he believed the requests were overly broad or inappropriate.